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Ringo
Expert
307 Posts |
 Posted - 01/09/2015 : 12:30:12 PM
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I’ll start by providing a little history on me so that you get to know a bit more about my professional side [Johnny Scharnweber] and that TWMC will be represented in a professional and loyal manor.
I’m a past President of the Plonkers Trials Club and past executive board member of the So CA Trials Association / American Trials Association. In my professional life [EnduroXcoach is just a hobby] I am in my second year as President of the Inland Empire Association of Health Underwriters and a member of the Board of Directors for the California Association of Health Underwriters. In these capacities, which are all 100% voluntary, I have many years of experience working diplomatically with groups of individuals who differ in attitudes, political affiliation, religion and more. To that extent, I extend my service to the community by lobbying in both Washington D.C. as well as Sacramento to get legislation passed that directly effects small business owners as well as off road enthusiasts. As such, I have decided to volunteer my time and expertise to help D37 in their lobbying efforts when we go to Sacramento for lobby days.
I’ve seen some disinterest in being associated with D37 so I’ll address that issue. Make no mistake, this is political and our country is run on politics.
The word "Politics": Poly = many, tics = blood sucking insects.
Like it or love it, the way things get done in America is via MONEY aka PAC [political action committee].
Every American has the right and ability to call up a State or National representative and schedule a meeting to voice their concern. When ‘Joe Little Farmer’ makes an appointment with his Congressman, he gets 5-15 minutes to express his concern and ask that Congressman to vote for or draft a bill [that hopefully will become a law]. After he leaves the office, the Congressman’s aid looks up Joe Little Farmer and determines how much money he contributed to that congressman’s campaign fund this year.
On the other end of the spectrum you have Joe Banker who belongs to a PAC that raises $100 Million dollars a year to contribute to the representatives they feel will ‘move their agenda’. Now ask yourself how much time the representative is going to spend on each “Joe”.
My work on behalf of the National Association of Health Underwriters has enabled me to create some good relationships at both the State and National level. I will tell you, having a glass of wine with the Chairman of the United States House Oversight and Government Reform Committee or having dinner with the House Majority Leader can be advantageous when you need to get an appointment with the Congressman or Senator who has a bill that needs amending.
The key to lobbying is being non-partisan [not speaking as a Republican, Democrat or Liberal]. I teach the rookies how to refrain from any indication one way or the other because we need support from all parties in order to get our bills amended or passed.
All that said to share the value of D37.
After reviewing the Profit and Loss sheets for D37, I note a huge income derived from Legal Defense Fund, second only to membership fees. D37 is the strongest AMA club in the nation with 39% of all riders as members. As a member of D37, we have access to that if needed.
D37 has a fund set up to send reps to Sacramento for lobby days.
If a local club were to go to Sacramento to lobby, they would do so on behalf of maybe 200-300 riders. If D37 goes, they are represented by 4,500. It’s not rocket science to figure out who is going to get more action. THERE IS STRENGTH IN NUMBERS! Think of D37 as our State body and AMA as our National body.
There are many members in D37 who want to ride an annual enduro. A lot of these are not TWMC members so it shows the continued interest in what we do. If we decide that we want to keep this tradition going, we would certainly want to be friends with D37 and take advantage of their promotional capabilities.
The D37 President relayed the fact that D37 was built on desert racing and it will continue to be their focus. He commented on how nice it was to have the GPs and other forms but he certainly favored the Desert Racing agenda, which is fine. The nice follow to his comments were the race reports wherein Adelanto GP shared the fact that they had nearly 1,500 rider entrees and had 200 new D37 members join. The point here is that, no matter what one person’s opinion is, THERE IS STRENGTH IN NUMBERS and simply being a D37 member allows us to take advantage of that. By remaining members and friends of D37, we have strength and support that would otherwise not be available.
I assure you that I will always represent what the TWMC asks me to as that is what I committed to. As in any organization, the membership elects the board of directors to make decisions for the club. The President does not have the authority to make decisions, rather motions have to be made in a board setting wherein a predetermined percentage of the executive board members are present and vote to have said motion passed. As such, I relay TWMC’s agenda to the D37, whether or not I agree with it.
Cheers,
Johnny Ringo
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Old Rat
Expert
368 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2015 : 1:53:46 PM
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Wow Mr. Scharnweber I had no idea. I thought you were just a guy that enjoyed a good dirt nap, and those funny little bikes with the small seats.
Thank you for taking the time for the meeting and introduction |
Karl |
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Sorudne
Forum Admin
2977 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2015 : 3:31:05 PM
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Well said.
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Thanks...
Tim |
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Ringo
Expert
307 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2015 : 4:11:50 PM
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Thank you both! I'm proud to serve TWMC as you've quickly become a wonderful addition to the Ringo family!!!
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brett ribeneck
Master
789 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2015 : 7:12:04 PM
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| Scharnweber good job ! |
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sirwilliammarkley
Expert
237 Posts |
Posted - 01/10/2015 : 02:04:57 AM
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Wait, what?
Where's that Hawaiian shirt guy that's always crashing?
And who is this Scharnweber guy? |
Daniel Markley |
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Ringo
Expert
307 Posts |
Posted - 01/10/2015 : 07:52:57 AM
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Did I crash?
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Sorudne
Forum Admin
2977 Posts |
Posted - 01/10/2015 : 09:08:03 AM
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Our very own Clark Kent / Superman in action!
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Thanks...
Tim |
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KenandMel
Amateur
195 Posts |
Posted - 01/10/2015 : 2:34:39 PM
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Impressive credentials to apply to this portion of the government that affects our hobby/profession of dirt bike riding. Glad you are on our team.
Melody  |
Ken and Mel |
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ktm camper
Expert
227 Posts |
Posted - 04/03/2015 : 1:15:20 PM
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| How can I get a retirement grant? I think us old people have the #s. |
Dick. Any day is a good day to RIDE |
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Snitz Forums 2000
Why be a District 37 member?
